Rohtang Pass

Manali is the gateway to Rohtang pass beyond which lie the twin valley of Lahaul and Spiti. In winter the mountain slopes are snow clad and they turn into perfect skiing slopes. This point is one of the main attraction for tourists coming to Manali. The Rohtang pass is 51 KM north of Manali and it is located on Manali Keylong Highway at an altitude of 4111 meters ( 13,400 ft ). This pass opens for tourist from April end to October end of the year. The permission to travel on this highway is given by Indian army after they clear the snow and inspect the road for it's fitness and safety for movement of person and the vehicles. The same road connects to Leh Ladakh ( State of Jammu & Kashmir ) from Manali ( state of Himachal Pradesh). Sonepani Glacier and a small lake (Dashahr) are located opposite and left to Rohtang respectively.

The pass is open from May to November. It was not particularly high or difficult to cross on foot by Himalayan standards, but it had a well-deserved reputation for being dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. This pass was ancient trade route between the people on either side of Pir Panjal. The local name for this pass is a generic name of pass. There are many other passes in Lahoul and Spitti which have specific names (Kunzom La, Bara Lachala, etc.). This is suggestive of the fact that this must have been the oldest and most frequented pass in the region, or the fact that it is the main pass leading from one cultural region (Indian) to another, quite different one, to the north.

"@" SHIMLA "@"

Shimla, originally called Simla, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla is located in the north-western ranges of the Himalayas. The climate in Shimla is predominantly cold during winters, and moderately warm during summers. it is one of the best place for the summer vacation. It;s my favoriate place to visit every time!!!....

The Mall :-

The Mall is the main shopping street of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.

Christ Church:-

Situated on the Ridge, Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. Christ Church is a place all visitors should spend some time in.

Summer Hill :-

Situated at a distance of 5 km from the Ridge is the lovely township of Summer Hill at a height of 6,500 ft on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi lived in these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh University is situated here.

MANALI

Manali, in the Beas River Valley, is an important hill station in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India, near the northern end of the Kullu Valley.

Manali is a popular Himalayan tourist destination and accounts for nearly a quarter of all tourist arrivals in Himachal Pradesh. Manali's cool atmosphere provides a contrast to hot Indian summers.

Manali is famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. Yak skiing is a sport unique to this area. Manali also featured in Time magazine's "Best of Asia" for its "Extreme Yak Sports".Manali also offers hot springs, religious shrines and Tibetan Buddhist temples.

Himachal Pradesh State

Blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travellers paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time. May it be for relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering, fishing, para-gliding, skiing, ice skating and golf, Himachal has it all.

Shimla's salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill stations in northern India. The splendid views of the show-clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron, enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda make Shimala an attractive destination throughout the year

Himachal was one of the few states that had remained largely untouched by external customs, largely due to its difficult terrain. With the technological advancements the state has changed very rapidly. It is a multireligional, multicultural as well as multilingual state like other Indian states. The endless succession of festivals and fairs forms an important part of the cultural life of Himachal.The carpets, leather works, shawls, metalware, woodwork and paintings are worth appreciating. Pashmina shawl is one of the product which is highly in demand not only in Himachal but all over the country. Himachali caps are also famous art work of the people. Extreme cold winters of Himachal necessitated wool weaving. Nearly every household in Himachal owns a pit-loom. Wool is also considered as pure and is used as a ritual cloth. The well known woven object is the shawl, ranging from fine pashmina to the coarse desar. Kullu is famous for its shawls with striking patterns and vibrant colours.

I could spend my every summar vacation here in himachal. i love this place a lot...

The Lake City - Nainital

Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources . Dotted with lakes , Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District' of India . The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills . Nainital has a varied topography . Nainital’s unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother nature.
Nainital is headquarter of Nainital District. It is also divisional Headquarter of Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand State.

Naini, a word that almost brings the cool air with it is a secret hide out of the tourists each year. Situated at an altitude of 1,938mtrs, this dreamland town with its beauteous splendour is one of the most popular tourist resorts of the country. The nucleus of Naini Tal's exquisite beauty is her lake which is a haven for water sports like Yachting, Kayaking, Canoeing and Boating.

Naina Peak:

The most popular picnic spot in Kumaon, it commands a birds eye view of Naini Tal and the sparkling snow laden Himalayas can be seen in their towering glory from this beautiful spot. It is 5.6-kms from the town and one of the most beautiful treks. The soft cool air, the shade of the tall trees, the songs of the birds, the quaint summerhouse welcomes you. It affords, as the name suggests, and undesirably beautiful and breath taking picture of the glittering snows. It is the most easily accessible hill top, 2.42- kms from the town. One can trek or go on horse back or by cable car.

St. John-In-The Wilderness:

One of the earliest buildings as well as churches erected in Naini Tal. It is very close to the Uttaranchal High Court. The site was chosen as early as 1844 and was first opened on April 2, 1848. It is a beautiful church with a marvellous interior and stained glasses on the windows.

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park—named after the hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment—is the oldest national park in India. The park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. Situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhan ,Uttaranchal,the park acts as a protected area for the critically endangered Bengal tiger of India, the secure survival of which is the main objective of Project Tiger, an Indian wildlife protection initiative. The Jim Corbett National Park is a heaven for the adventure seeker and wildlife adventure lovers. Corbett National Park is India's first national park which comprises 520.8 km2. area of hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions, grass lands and large lake.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a very famous hill station in india. Its really quit place to go. This hill station, situated in the foothills of the Himalaya ranges, is also known as the Queen of the Hills. From Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2,500 mts. Above sea-level. Enchanting view of pine covered hill slopes and snow capped mountains leave an indelible impression on one's mind.The modern bungalows, malls and well laid gardens which are located on the small hills around the area are enough to attract any tourist. Mussoorie is an excellent respite for tourists and people who want relief from the hot sultry conditions of the plains. Nature has gifted Musoorie everything which makes a place beautiful. With the onset of summers tourists start coming here.

Unlike other hill stations, Mussoorie hasn't got a rich history. It wasn't the summer capital of British but the charm of Mussoorie lies elsewhere. Mussoorie's date with fame came after an adventuroes British military officer came here in 1827 with Mr. Shore, the resident Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun and came up with a shooting lodge. Since then tourists haven't stopped pouring in here. Never on official records, the air of informality hung in Mussoorie. it was as if it is left for the 'affairs of the heart'. And it was not long after that Mussoorie had to its credit, the title of 'honeymoon capital of India', where romance flutters everywhere. The busiest of all, Mussoorie has a hectic social life, the malls, shops, tourists all this makes sure that the place does not have a dull day in calender through out the year. Being so popular Mussoorie is a highly developed hill station.

Haridwar - Rhishikesh

Haridwar is a important holy city and municipal board in the Haridwar District of Uttarakhand, India. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. According to Hindu scriptures, Haridwar is one among the four sites where drops of the elixir of immortality.

Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. The water in the river Ganges is mostly clear and generally cold, except in the rainy season, during which soil from the upper regions flows down into it.

Daheradun

Dehradun, a city situated in the newly formed state of Uttaranchal. Dehradun is one of the oldest cities in India its reference is even fiven in the written that dates back to 250 BC even the great king Ashoka's inscriptions can be found outside the city. There are 14 edicts carved on a rock and the site where three horses were sacrificed by Raja Shilvarma of the Vrisheri dynasty. Large bricks with writing on them are laid out in the shape of a huge bird with a fire altar in the middle.

In the ancient Vedic times, the Garhwal Mandal, of which Dehradun is a part, was known as the Kedar Khand. Legend has it that Guru Dronacharaya, a Brahmin teacher of warfare, found Dehradun a place that was fit for meditation & worship and therefore, the valley of Doon was christened Drona Ashram, which means "The Abode of Drona". Perhaps that is why Indian army trains its finest cadets in the Indian Millitary Academy that is situated in this part of the state.

Dehradun has always been famous for various educational institutes that are present in the city. Its close proximity from the bustling city of Delhi and another tourist attraction Mussoorie adds to the attraction of the city. Its mild climate and the list of endless places to visit in the city makes it an important tourist attraction.

During the British Raj, Dehradun was the summer base of the Viceroy's Bodyguard, and transformed into an educational centre and military cantonment. At present, it is also the base of the Indian Military Academy. Dehradun also boasts of the Forest Research Institute, dating back to the British Raj period, and the Wildlife Institute of India.

WHAT TO SEE

Rajaji National Park

Forest Research Institute

Tapkeshwar Temple

Tapovan

Malsi Deer

Uttarkhand State

Uttarakhand is a state located in the northern part of India. It was carved out of Himalayan and adjoining districts of Uttar Pradesh on 9 November 2000, becoming the 27th state of the Republic of India. In January 2007, the name of the state was officially changed from Uttaranchal, its interim name, to Uttarakhand. The provisional capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun which is also a rail-head and the largest city in the region.

Uttarakhand ( Uttaranchal) has educational institutions of major importance to India and the world. It is home to one of the oldest engineering colleges in Asia, the Indian Institute of Technology at Roorkee (formerly University of Roorkee)and Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology in Pantnagar.

Uttarkhand has a cultured and colourful society. The religious, social and cultural urges of the people of Uttaranchal find an expression in various fairs and festivals, which are in turn closely linked to the social and economic activities of the region. The fairs and folk festivals of Uttaranchal are very colourful and distinctive, and are the blend of various natural, social and cultural factors. The people of Uttaranchal also celebrate all the major Indian festivals.

you can see short video about tourism in Uttaranchal Pradesh

Uttarakhand Tourism from JP Sykes on Vimeo.

Mathura

Mathura is a city in the north indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located approximately 60 km north of Agra, and 150 km south of Delhi. It is the administrative centre of Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh. During the ancient period, Mathura was an economic hub, located at the junction of important caravan routes.

Mathura is said to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna at the centre of Braj or Brij-bhoomi, called Krishna janma-bhoomi, literary 'Krishna's birth place'.

Agra Fort ..

Agra fort, was commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1585, and is another of agra's World Heritage Sites. It is the most important fort in india. The great Muhals, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the lagest state treasury and mint.

Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is also known as 'Lal Qila', Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra.

Agra is not only known for the exotic beauty of the Taj Mahal, but attached to the city is the history of the Mughal era. From the supreme Mughal ruler, Akbar the Great, to the greatest lover Shah Jahan, Agra, which was once the capital of Mughals boasts of an enthralling historical past. Agra fort is a magnanimous structure, which epitomizes two generations of the Mughal emperors. The fort is the most important fort in India. While during the rule of Akbar, the fort was basically used for military purposes, it was during the time of Shah Jahan that the fort served as used as a palace and for its courts. Explore some interesting and fun facts about the Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal - Memorial to Love

Agra is a city on the banks of the river "Yamuna" in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Agra's Taj Mahal is One of the most famous building in the world. As everybody knows, it is one of the new seven wonders of the world. It is also one of the three World Heritage Sites in the Agra.

Taj Mahal is Mausoleum located in Agra, India, built by Mughal emperor "Shah Jahan" in memory of his favorite wife "Mumtaz Mahal". The taj is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.

The calligraphy on the Great Gate reads "O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you."
The calligraphy was created by the Persian calligrapher Abd ul-Haq, who came to India from Shiraz, Iran, in 1609. Shah Jahan conferred the title of "Amanat Khan" upon him as a reward for his "dazzling virtuosity". Near the lines from the Qur'an at the base of the interior dome is the inscription, "Written by the insignificant being, Amanat Khan Shirazi." The calligraphy found on the marble cenotaphs in the tomb is particularly detailed and delicate.

Emperor Shah Jahan himself described the Taj in these words:

Should guilty seek asylum here,
Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,
All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;
And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world this edifice has been made;
To display thereby the creator's glory.

Fatehpur Sikri

I have visited the Taj Mahal at agra before this trip but i didn't knew that Fatehpur Sikri is as beautiful as Taj Mahal. I was really amazed to see all the architectures of Sikri.

Sikri an extension of the upper vidhyan ranges is situated on the bank of a large natural lake, which has now mostly dried up. 37 miles from Agra is built a city predominately in red sandstone and is called Fatehpur Sikri. this town was built by Mughal emperor, Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585.

you can watch the video of Fatehpur Sikri at this link:-

NHK World Heritage 100 Series [Windows Media required]

Fatehpur sikri now is a world Haritage site. "The panch Mahal" - the palace of five stories.

Lucknow - The Capital of Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow!!!

After staying in Varanasi for 2 days, i startes my journey ahead to lucknow. Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh state. I had planed to stay here only for 2 days, therefore i could go to visit most of the famous places of lucknow. Lucknow is popularly known as city of "Nawabs".

There are too many places to go in Lucknow that two days also became less for me at that time.

The places like "Bara Imambara", "chota Imambara", "Rumi Darwaja"(gate), "Ambedkar Memorial" and many more are famous to travell in Lucknow.

1> Bara Imambara :-

Thia magnificent and elegant building is also calles as Asafai Imambara. It is said that this hall is the worlds largest arched room without any pillars and the Nawabs used to hold their public hearings. The building was built in famine relief program in 1784 by nawab Assaf-ud-Daulla.

2> Chota Imambara :-

Chota imambara is also so known as Hussainabad Imambara situated in the city of Lucknow. This was constructed by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah in the year 1838 to serve as his own mausoleum. Sometimes it is called as the place of lights because its decorating of lights during all the festivals. The tombs of Muhammad Ali shah and his other family members are in the Imambara. The walls are decorated with Arabic calligraphy.

3> Rumi Darwaza:-

This gate is known as Turkish gate. It was built in 1786 by Nawab Asafuddaulla. The buildings in vicinity has something more important in history. The consruction was taken as part of large project to provid relief to then famine stricken people of Lucknow. Both poor and rich people worked here for bare subsistence. The poor worked in day time while riches in night time. Other such gates are "Akbari Darwaza", and "Sher Darwaza" in south of the globe park of lucknow.

"VARANASI" - (Banaras)

Varanasi also commonly known as "Banaras", is a city situated on the banks of river Ganges.

The culture of Varanasi closely associated with the river Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been cultural and religious center in North India for several thousand years.

Varanasi is the holy city of the Hinduism, being one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for Hindus of all denomination. More than 1,000,000 visit the city each year. Mythology reins the city and there are many religious places and institutions and places of warship through out the city where people visit everyday, especially6 at the morning and the evenings. Varanasi is the one of the holiest places for Buddhism too, being one of the four pilgrimage sites said to have been designated by Gautama Buddha himself (the others being Kashinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Lumbini).

People of Varanasi are known for being the exponent of literature, music, Vedik philosophy, art, craft, and architecture. Socio-economic aspects of the city are highly influenced by the Ganges and on most of the Hindu festivals people can be seen using the bathing Ghat(river front) even before day break is an important part of their rituals. In varanasi, atmosphere is relaxed in general and we can see people chewing the famous "paan" in chatting i laid back manner. That does not keep Varanasi behind, as it evident from the growing modern industries in the city. Varanasi is also a most ancient seat of education in India and Banaras Hindu University is still famous through out the world for its scholars.

Just like a rich culture and lifestyle Varanasi is famous for its variety of foods and cuisines

Uttar Pradesh

After travelling to 3 states of east india, i planed to visit most of the nort parts of india. First of all i started with Uttar Pradesh to all the way in north "Shimla and manali".

Uttar Pradesh !!!!

Uttar Pradesh is india's most populou state with ppulation of over 190 million people. It is devided into 70 district with lakhnow as its capital. It is considered as afifth largest state of india.

Two holly rives Yamuna and the Ganga flw through this state onaccount of which many sacred cities locatedon thier banks are freqened by many religious followers. This state, many a time referred to as U.P. is sittuated in he northern part of India.

Uttar Pradesh is bounded by Nepal on the north, Himachal Pradeshon the north west and madhya Pradesh on south.

Madhya Pradesh attracts a large number of travell and tourist. Lucknow, Fatehpur sikri, varanasi, Mathura, Agra, and vrindavan are some the important stations.

Uttar Pradesh is famous for its the handi crafts. Uttar Pradesh is the largest brass and copper making state in india wih thousands of establishments. The Kathhak the most admired classical dance form in india, florished in Uttar Pradesh.

Champaran in Chattisgarh

Champaran !!!

After visiting Orissa, i went to the Chattisgarh by train. That was really cool experience travel in train as i could able to see the villages and farms with the mountains and rivers during my journey. I reached to the Raipur - the capital of the state Chattisgarh.

Champaran s just 60 km. from the raipur. We decided to go Champaran by open jeep. Reaching at the Champaran we got the invitation to go one of the famous event of religious dance in village. This place enjoys a religious significant and hence today it has evolved to be one of the most visited holy places in raipur. Champaran village has a historical significance. It is considered to be birth place of Vallabhacharya. He was the pioneer and founder of the valabh sect. A beautiful temple has been constructed in his honour. The aniversary of the birth of saint vallabhacharya is celebrated every year on eleventh day of "Baisakh" , which is second month of the hindu calander.

Dhauligiri Temple in Orissa - The Moment of Peace

I have heard about the Dhauligiri temple when i was in school. I was feeling so lucky to see this temple in reall life.

The Dhauligiri is located near Bhuwaneshwar, the capital of Orissa state. It is also known as peace pagoda. Dhauligiri symbolizes the rich Buddhist culture and heritage. It was built by king Ashoka after the destructive kalinga war in 261 BC.

The Dhaouligiri temple is located at the bank of river Daya - the river which turned in to full of blood. Dhauli narrates a story of Kalinga War, which change ashoka's heart and inspired him to lay down the weapons of violence and accept the non violence.

Jagannath Puri (Puri) in Orissa

I travel all the way from west part of India to east part, which is almost 1700 km. i was in Orissa state for five days, so we went to the famous temple of Jagannath in "jagannath puri". I have never thought that it would be too much crowd in temple. We stay in the hotel which was walking distance to sea shore. Temple was 2 km from our hotel and there was no way to drive a car over there. Therefore we enjoyed the ride of hand cart to way to temple of jagannath. This temple looks so pleasant at the night time with lots of lightnings and candelas. The huge temple complex covers an area of 400,000 square feet. With its sepulchral richness and fluidity of the Orissan style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monument of India.

Jagannath temple in puri is famous hindu temple dedicated to jagannath (lord krishna) who is also calles the lord of universe. In the temple, the image of god has no lags, and only stumps of arms. together with jagannath are seated his brother balaram and sister subadra.

There are elaborated daily worship services. There are many festivals each year attended by thousands of people. The most important festival is "Rath Yatra" in June. The Rath carts themselves are some approximately 45 feet high and are pulled by the thousand of Pilgrims who turn up for the event. I went to visit this temple in may so i could see the preparation of the Rath Yatra in all over the temple place. The cart which going to use in, was very huge and beautiful. Although i couldn't able to attend the Rath yatra, i enjoyed there a lot.

The temple kitchen

The temple's kitchen is considered as the largest kitchen in India. Tradition maintains that all food cooked in the temple kitchens are supervised by the goddess "Mahalakshmi" herself. All food cooked following rules as prescribed by Hindu religious texts.

My Travelling to "Orissa"

After visiting the "Kalkota", i went to the grand and best known of all sun temples in India, the konark temple in "Orissa". Konark s situated 20 miles to the north east of "Puri". The word konark means corner sun.
The sun Temple konark was built in 1250 AD by the east ganga king Narsimahadeva. this temple takes a form of a huge chariot for the Sun god Surya,with 12 pairs of stone-carved wheels and a team of seven galloping horses. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter. The spokes of this wheels serves as sundials, and the shadow formed by this can give the precise time of the day. Seven horses drag the temple. Also, two lions guard the temple, crushing the elephants.

The temple also symbolises as the passage of time,which is under the sun god's control. The temple is famous for its erotic sculptures, which can be found primilary on the second level of the structure. I have enjoyed a lot there. There is one famous dance festival helds in december, i wish i could see those dances. I went to Konark temple in summer so it wasnt my lucky time to see them otherwise i could have seen different dance forms of traditional india like Oddisi, Kathhak, Chaow, and many more.

My Travelling to kolkata

Traveling is my one of the favorite hobbies. I like to know places that contents some art work and peace. I like to old places which has courts and old temples.

India is the place where i want to visit each and every well-known places. Also those places where no many travelers visiting a lot. Basically i am from "gujarat" west part of India. I have travelled east-part places in India though i want to visit rest two south and north part of india. i love to visit my village every year in Indian new year festival.

I'm posting one of my favorite picture when i went to the "kolkata, India". The building itself stands on the "island of attractions" in Kolkata - beside the Victoria Memorial, Nandan Rabindra Sadan theatre complex, and the Birla Planetarium. Kolkata served as the capital of India during the "British Raj" until 1911.

There are lots attraction like science museums, temples, howrah bridge, and art theaters to see in this mega city.